Spurs send unmistakeable warning shot to rest of NBA after latest moves

The San Antonio Spurs surprised many when they made a draft night deal to acquire a second first-round pick and added Tarris Reed Jr. On the surface, San Antonio saw a player that they liked and had a high enough second-round pick and more future seconds to burn.

They then seized the opportunity to move up. That's entirely possible, though I can't help but believe there may be more to it than that.

One potential reason why San Antonio drafted two players in the first round this year is because they are planning on using multiple future first-round picks in a trade. That would seemingly coincide with reports of former Spurs star Kawhi Leonard possibly being traded and him willing to sign an extension with the Spurs.

The Spurs could be gearing up for a big trade

The Spurs reacquiring Kawhi feels like a stretch, but there is clearly enough reporting to suggest he may be traded. Both ESPN's Bobby Marks and Yahoo Sports' Jake Fisher suggested San Antonio could be among the suitors for Kawhi.

As far as potential trade scenarios, there are really two. The first being swapping De'Aaron Fox and three first-round picks for Kawhi. The second would be to trade Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and the Atlanta Hawks' 2027 first-round pick for him.

Both trades wouldn't be popular among Spurs fans. But, if they had to choose, moving Fox in a deal for Kawhi would make plenty of sense.

The Spurs may have other options to build a championship team

If San Antonio isn't interested in a reunion with Kawhi, they could be looking to make other deals. While it seems unlikely for them to move Fox in another trade, they at least are keeping the option open by loading up on the first-round selections now.

More likely, I expect San Antonio to make smaller moves. Moves such as using the mid-level exception to bring in a power forward and possibly their bi-annual exception to bring in a center.

Nevertheless, San Antonio drafting both Jaden Quinntance and Reed Jr. is curious. Perhaps they are just looking to beef up their front line for the long term. Or, they could be planning on moving future first-round picks to acquire a difference maker in a trade.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow